Post-Workout Popsicles

Counting down the days... one more week of work until summer vacation! I have my own equipment at my house now so getting extra lifting in will be happening this summer. I can either do it while she naps, or have my own cheering section because we are fans of being outside together anyway. 

My home box, thoughtfully named CrossFit Clawson, is still a work in progress....I have a women's bar (they are thinner and 15kg), a men's bar (Thanks Alex!), a rack, rings, low wooden blocks (Thanks Brad and Maven!!)- excited to use these, two kettlebells, dumbbells, and 330+lbs in plate weight--- so with two bars, and that kind of weight, I can have my friends over to workout with me :) Yay summer! There's something about training outside that is fun in and of itself. 

Now that weather is warming up I was trying to think of what would be good to have after a workout or a run. Charlie is a huge popsicle fan, I used them as a potty-training reward, and we were eating them the other day and I thought instead of the sugar-laden version I could make one with protein and good fat in it for after a workout.

A word on coconut milk-Coconut milk is lactose-free and high in fat, but unlike other nuts, the  fat they contain is mostly medium chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs). One of the main MCFA's is lauric acid which is converted in the body to a highly beneficial compound called monolaurin, an antiviral and antibacterial that destroys a wide variety of disease causing organisms. This is also why "oil pulling" is often done with coconut oil. MCFAs are rapidly metabolised into energy in the liver and are thought to be used up more quickly by the body, therefore less likely to be stored as fat. Coconut products shoudl still be used in moderation because they are still a saturated fat... I just thought you'd like a science lesson in macromolecules to go with your popsicle. 

 I made two different versions of these... the other one will be posted soon. I bought popsicle molds at the store- very inexpensive- and away we go! Just as a note- hold the popsicle under warm water until it loosens enough to get it out of the mold... I broke my plastic mold getting one because I didn't do that... oops...must be the gains. ;-) 

Post-Workout Popsicles 

(makes 10 of these thinner popsicles)

 - 2 Ripe Bananas (I used the frozen ones I keep in my freezer when they ripen too much on my counter)

- 13 oz Coconut Milk (about 1.5 cups)

- 1 Heaping Scoop Chocolate Protein Powder

- Pinch of salt

- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (optional)

Add everything to a high powered blender.

Blend until smooth.

Pour into popsicle molds- about 1/4 inch from the top. 

Freeze at least 30 minutes.

Run under warm water until loosened from the mold and enjoy!